That middle ground is also home for instructional training aids, some with more straps and buckles that a dominatrix’s guestroom. But no matter what one thinks of the products (and over the years I’ve seen many that were just silly), you have to feel compassion toward the creators who sincerely want to help the golf public play better.

Which isn’t to say it’s all hooey. As technology has improved—especially video cameras and computer software—the aids have improved as well. Every golf geek is now overloaded with data and research on the swing and desperately trying to make sense of it all, looking for the holy grail of lasting improvement.

A few days before the show began I attended an outing run by TourEdge Golf, a clubmaker that deserves closer scrutiny for its high-end Exotics line (particularly lightweight woods and hybrids, like the new XCG5, right) and more bargain-priced club lines like Bazooka. For someone new to the game, it’s hard to find a better deal in quality equipment.

Joining TourEdge was a potpourri of golf companies including Sun Mountain (terrific outerwear, carts, and bags—that’s the new superlightweight KG2 bag, bottom), Innovex and Polara balls, SkyGolf (state of the art GPS devices and clubfitting technology called Swing Labs), and Medicus. This last company made a name for itself with training clubs that featured a hinged shaft (below) that “broke” when the swing went off-plane or otherwise fouled up.

From those humble beginnings Medicus has become a big player in golf training and has made a commitment to identifying what makes a good swing. Two of their teachers—and I apologize for not getting their names—presented what they called the five commonalities of great players, five best practices that Medicus will endeavor to promote with training aids.

I’m just reporting what I heard, but it should get all golfers thinking—and practicing.

1) Steady Head. Make that “basically steady,” as the head shouldn’t move more than an inch during the swing.

2) Weight Forward Coming Down. That is, the body’s weight should move to and stay on the front leg in the downswing. How much? 80-95% of the body weight should be over the front leg at impact. There’s also, they say, a direct correlation between weight forward and handicap.

3) Flat Left (Forward) Wrist at Impact. Higher-handicap players tend to break or “flip” their forward wrist toward the target at impact rather than keeping it flat. Think of it this way: The hands should lead the clubhead to and through the ball.

4) The Path of the Sweetspot Is A Diagonal. A little confusing, I know, but this is about swinging on plane and actually thinking of the clubhead moving on a diagonal path, not straight back and through. The only way to bring the sweetspot flush into the ball is from the inside coming down.

5) The Clubface Controls the Ball. This one amazed me as I’d always heard that the first part of a ball’s flight was the result of swing path and then how the ball moved (left, right, straight) was caused by the angle of the clubface at impact. According to the Medicus research, 85% of the ball’s entire flight is due to the clubface angle at impact.

Medicus is selling a simple training aid—it looks like an overly long yardstick—called Vision Track (that’s it in use at the top of the page). It helps fix numbers 4 and 5, which strike me as the most difficult elements to improve because they are the hardest to see. Hence Vision Track. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m certainly intrigued. You may be, too.

Even if you don’t usually get excited about golf towels you will love these because they feature two terrific caricatures based on “Caddyshack”—inarguably the best golf movie and one of the funniest movies ever made.

Created by artist David O’Keefe and made by Devant Sport Towels, the towels actually have names (hey, this is fine art after all): “A Cinderella Story” and “Bushwood—A Tribute to Caddyshack.”

If I have to explain who any of the characters are then you probably shouldn’t buy them. But I’ll bet your golf-loving friends don’t need any explanations.

O’Keefe’s caricatures are as good as any I’ve seen, certainly the best Carl Spackler ever. O’Keefe has done paintings of other movies, as well—including “The Godfather,” “Dirty Harry,” and my favorite, “Animal House”—plus sports figures, TV shows, rock ‘n’ roll, and more. They’re all similarly authentic and hilarious.

Prints, sculptures, t-shirts, even puzzles of O’Keefe’s work are available from his website. That’s also where you’ll find the Caddyshack towels, or at those golf shops lucky enough to carry them. They are 16×25 inches and made with a patented high-definition digital-technology process that creates a sharp, quality image while keeping the towel functional and fluffy. Each one is $24.95.

Sometimes, even for me, a picture is worth 1,000 words. So what are two pictures worth? Priceless. As you can see.

There have been 59 PGA Merchandise Shows and I’ve been to the last 28. While I’ve obviously missed a few, I’m willing to bet that it’s rarely been more difficult after a show is over to know where the golf industry is headed.

According to the official tallies, more than 42,000 visitors looked at wares from more than 1,000 exhibitors. More than 6,000 people attended Demo Day. I shudder to think how many balls were hit.

Yet inside Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center the atmosphere was less than robust. Maybe it’s just my aging eyes, but the aisles never seemed too crowded, the booths rarely stuffed. Even the fashion section—which has grown year after year as “hard goods” has shrunk—was quieter than I remember.

I’ve been hearing for years that the show is no longer about writing orders or significant product introductions. I describe it like a high-school reunion: A chance to see how everyone looks and perhaps more important, to note who didn’t attend. It’s also a great chance to catch up with old industry friends, of which I’m happy to say I have many.

So what was there to see? I noticed a few trends, which I’ll mention here and follow up on over the next few days. There are always dozens of products worth describing: Check out the stories I’ve already posted and you’ll see what I mean. There will be more to come so please keep checking back.

The big news of the last few shows has been in technology, and that remained true last week. I love geeky products like Swingbyte, a tiny device (right) that clips to the clubshaft and sends a frightening amount of data on your swing to an iPad or smartphone. The GolfBuddy Voice is a new GPS unit, about the size of the ipod shuffle, that speaks out yardages. It will be available in the spring.

There’s also great work going on in clubfitting (perhaps the most overlooked tool in the game), nowhere more interesting that at Swing Labs, which can tell after just 15 swings if your clubs are right for you. They say the average distance gain for 90% of the golfers they work with is 10 yards.

As noted, there are few big introductions at the show in clubs and balls. My inbox receives press releases announcing new gear almost every week. But it was a chance to actually see and touch some of the new stuff like TaylorMade’s RocketBallz, Nike’s VrS, Ping’s i20, Callaway’s RAZR Fit and RAZR XF, and TourEdge’s XCG5, plus new balls from Titleist and Bridgestone among others. Among the lesser-knowns, the innovative short-game system of clubs from SCORGolf (shown at top) is fascinating, while the balls from Innovex are pretty damn good for half the price of big-name pellets.

One area of surprising change is footwear. Ever since Fred Couples began wearing what looked like skate-boarding shoes the golf-casual trend has taken off. Fred’s brand, Ecco (left), is leading the charge with new looks and technology both above and below the sole. I loved the insanely comfortable shoes from True Linkswear, while there were designs both new and retro from adidas and Nike (which I’ve already written about), and a company called Barefoot BERBS. At the more traditional end of the scale, it’s hard to make shoes that look and feel better on and off the course than those from Allen Edmonds.

Slight tangent here: Looking at the new shoes and traction systems I couldn’t help but recall the big stink that accompanied the introduction of softspikes about 15 years ago. Golfers fretted about slipping either while swinging or walking down clubhouse steps. Guess those problems slipped away.

Retro was also big in the fashion aisles. Being a child of the ‘60s I waxed reminiscent at the new Arnie line from Quagmire (below). If you fondly remember the Munsingwear penguin, small collars, real polyester, and shirt pockets with flaps (to say nothing of the cigarette packs in those pockets), then check it out. There are also some fun t-shirts there, as there are from Linksoul, a new company from fashion legend John Ashworth that further enhances his reputation for style and quality.

Another aspect of fashion, hardly contained to the soft-goods arena, is color. Everywhere I looked was color: blindingly bright, almost luminescent, an appropriate wonderful world of color in the town that Disney built.

Cobra/Puma has staked its claim to orange, thanks in part to staff player Rickie Fowler (above, in orange of course), and actually displayed its new clubs surrounded by Florida’s favorite fruit. There were brightly hued grips and balls, too. And in the fashion aisles the entire spectrum was on display, an absolute rainbow in every booth. From industry leaders like Ralph Lauren and Greg Norman to the new blood at Abacus and Sligo, it was a ‘60s Technicolor explosion tripping through the traditionally staid game, like Hunter S. Thompson and Tom Wolfe teeing it up while dropping acid.

Which begs a question: Do dynamic colors signal a coming upturn in the economy, a leading indicator of bright times ahead? Or do we turn to a pulsating palette when times are tough and we need something to stir our souls? Like when the groundhog sticks his head above ground in a few days, does effervescent color mean many more months of economic winter or can we expect a spring-like rebirth?

No matter how the golf economy does in the short term, I’m not alone in worrying about where the game will be 5, 10, 20 years down the line. As always, the PGA Show featured numerous lectures, panels, and initiative launches regarding golf’s future. I hardly heard it all, but amid all the gum-flapping and finger-wagging was one fact, stated by Jack Nicklaus, the greatest player of all time, that gave me pause: Speaking about his own family, Jack said that of his 22 grandchildren, only 1 has any real interest in golf.

If that’s the future of golf then color me blue.

Shirts, pants, rainwear, sweaters, ruggers, accessories—Abacus offers a full line for both men and women that is especially notable for its bright colors, visible in the images on this page. Most of the clothing is appropriate off the course as well as on, including a new line of trousers they call Putter Stretch: Light and comfortable, Putter Stretch pants are waterproof and breathable.

There are also new jackets and vests for keeping out the wind, and many items using the company’s Coolmax extreme fabric, which wicks moisture away from the body. The mix of function, form, and flexibility has made Abacus a favorite of European golfers, including the last three Solheim Cup teams, which were fully fitted in the company’s finest.

During the PGA Show, Abacus announced that it has become a licensed supplier to Ryder Cup Europe, which means it can brand the clothing with Ryder Cup logos and perhaps create special garments incorporating the European Ryder Cup branding leading up to the matches later this year. Also, Abacus is now the official clothier to the European Tour, outfitting its officials. It will be a very stylish step up for both organizations.

It’s getting easier and easier to find Abacus golfwear in the U.S. Check the website for more information, views of the garments, and more.

A few new things caught my eye today, and here’s a fast look at three of them.

TRUE Linkswear. I can’t wait to try these shoes on the course, having slipped on a pair and walked around the booth of this company committed to making shoes that are comfortable and promote a better game. A wee bit funky looking and worn by PGA Tour pro Ryan Moore (who is also known for sporting cardigan sweaters and ties with his golf shirts), TRUE Linkswear shoes let your feet feel the ground. Referred to as a “slipper with traction,” they are wide and soft like the best bedroom slippers, and very low to the ground. I’m especially fond of the wide toe box (having rather long and large feet, as I’m written before): Just walking in the booth I could tell my feet will be secure yet comfortable, with no squeezing of the sides. Here are two models, the Stealth (left) and the phx (right), which like all their shoes have leather uppers (models are waterproof or water resistant), a flexible rubber sole, ergo-fit insole, and the company’s proprietary “TRUE barefoot” platform. Women’s models are also available, with pricing from about $100-$200 a pair. Truelinkswear.com.

JumboMax Grips. I’d always heard that playing with overly large grips restricts the player’s hand rotation, leading to slicing. Not so, according to JumboMax, which makes grips for all clubs that are significantly larger than standard (just look at the photograph for a comparison). Again, I haven’t had a chance to try them on the course, but some practice swings in the booth reveal that the hands aren’t stopped from rotating; in fact, just the opposite as the hands feel more natural and relaxed. The larger size means more of the hands actually is on the grip, and relaxed hands are less tense, which means more speed and distance. Company tests say the JumboMax generates 38% more turning power, actually increasing consistency and accuracy. It’s a good story, one that I look forward to testing for myself. JumboMax.com.

Innovex Golf Balls. Here is a product I did try on the course, new golf balls from Innovex. The V-Motion is a Tour-quality, urethane ball that is being compared to Titleist’s Pro-V1 ball for its high spin and feel. However unlike the bigger-name balls, the cost is only $32.95 a dozen. The E-Motion is a three-piece ball designed to fly farther, spin faster, and feel softer than comparable balls, and costs only about $20 a dozen. I preferred the E-Motion (I saw a little more distance and preferred the feel even if it was a little harder than the other ball), but at those prices it’s easy—and smart—to compare for yourself. Both balls also come with a money-back guarantee. Innovexgolf.com.

Back in October, a contingent from Nike Golf came to New York, where I was given a sneak peak at what’s new. The new golfwear for 2012 is very colorful and graphic (below), featuring performance fabrics like DriFit and a choice of lines from sporty to sophisticated, plus a new, “elevated” look for Tiger. (Watch for the laser-perforated collar on some of his new shirts.)

In clubs, Nike is trying to simplify things for the consumer with two club lines—Vr and VrS (for Speed: more to come on that soon)—and Method putters. It is from this last category that the mad scientists have thrown the kind of wonderful curveball we’ve come to expect from Nike.

Introducing the new Method Concept Putter (above and bottom). Like a concept car in the automotive industry, the Concept is meant to push the boundaries by combining what they know about science with what they know about art.

The results on the science side, according to the engineers, are a smoother stroke, truer roll, and less skid of the ball on the green. As to the shape, it’s like nothing you’ve seen.

The face, which looks like a blade, is made of lightweight aluminum. The stainless-steel backweight is heavy and its design unusual, sort of an asymmetrical mallet. (No one is sure whether to call it a blade or a mallet. Is “blallet” a word?) It plays like a much bigger putterhead—characterized by less twisting and more stability—but in a much smaller size.

I haven’t put it to an on-course test, but even on a lumpy rug in a corporate conference room contact was solid and the roll true. Like all the Method putters, the Concept uses the company’s polymetal groove technology, which gets the ball rolling faster at impact and leads to better accuracy.

It’s too early to know if this look will have the sort of long-term effect that other innovations have had on the golf industry: Think metalwoods, perimeter-weighted irons, even the first heel-toe-weighted putter. But golfers likely will say the same thing that greeted all those products: “I know it looks weird, but it will be beautiful once you start using it.”

The Concept, available in mid-February, will be available in standards lengths (32, 33, and 34 inches) for right and left handers, for $199. “Mid-length” versions of 41 and 42 inches, will be available in right-hand only for $229.

I’ve got big feet. Which along with whatever else you think that signifies means that I have a hard time finding shoes that fit. Especially golf shoes.

In 35 years of playing this silly game, I’ve found that most classically styled golf shoes are cut narrow, especially across the front of the foot. I can’t tell you how many otherwise great pairs of shoes, showcasing the latest in footwear technology, have proven unwearable. Even 13 Wides, if a company happens to make them, don’t always do the trick.

Like I said, big feet.

So when I find a pair with room, a little give, and support as well as comfort, I’m ecstatic. And with the recent move into more casual styles by a number of leading golf-shoe companies, I’m finally able to stride comfortable and confidently down the fairway.

My latest objects of pedal affection are from Nike, which offers a number of casual and athletic styles. At the top of the list are the Air Rate (shown above) and Air Range WP (left).

They share many features: Both use mesh and synthetic leather; have Nike Air in the heel; are fitted with a full-length sockliner, Phylon midsole, and Phylite and TPU Nike Power Platform outsole; and incorporate what Nike calls “Integrated Traction”—built-in TPU spikes that grip the ground despite being extremely lightweight. Furthermore, the Air Rate keeps cool thanks to the Air-flow ventilation system, while the Air Range is waterproof and has a two-year limited waterproof warranty.

From repeated wearings I’ve found both styles to be incredibly light (the first time I wore the Air Rate I had to keep looking down to remind myself I was wearing shoes at all), flexible, comfortable from heel to toe, and good looking in a slightly unconventional way. (The versions shown here aren’t the only colors/styles available. Check the links for other looks.) Plus, both are very reasonably priced under $130—and usually available for less than $100 in leading golf stores and online.

All of which means my big dogs are smiling.

I found it slightly ironic that Nike would launch its new men’s golf shoe, called Lunar Control (Limited Edition), just days after the Space Shuttle was launched on its final mission.

However, on closer examination, it’s obvious this lightweight shoe is meant to commemorate a more down-to-earth spectacle, The Open Championship, which kicks off in a few days at Royal St. George’s, a course many pros would say is about as hospitable as the dark side of the moon.

Watch the Open broadcast and you’ll see Nike golfers—including Paul Casey (who helped in this product’s development), Stewart Cink, Lucas Glover, Justin Leonard, Francesco Molinari, and Charl Schwartzel—laced up in this ultra-lightweight creation modeled after classic British dress shoes and briefcases.

The tumbled-leather upper with patent-leather accents is supposed to evoke Savile Row styling, as is the herringbone-tweed collar and polka-dot lining. But while the look may make you think of John Steed in “The Avengers,” the performance is pure Mrs. Peel—springy, soft yet supportive, with enhanced flexibility and natural motion provided by the Nike “Power Platform.”

The top of the shoe features very thin, very strong nylon fibers called Flywire that hold the middle of the foot in place, eliminating slippage and along with the other high-tech elements enhancing stability and balance.

And since British golf is all about walking, this shoe incorporates Lunarlon cushioning in the heel for comfort (which must be where the name really comes from).

The Limited Edition Lunar Control was released today in the United Kingdom and Europe, to be available in the U.S. this Wednesday, July 13. It comes with a two-year limited waterproof guarantee and retails for $190.

Sundog is in the news today for a couple of reasons. First, it is the official eyewear of the Palmer Cup, the Ryder Cup-equivalent for collegiate golfers from the U.S. and Europe. A great event, the Palmer Cup showcases many of tomorrow’s big-name pros, and is being held at The Stanwich Club in Greenwich, Conn., today through Saturday. (I hope those young kids don’t mind the heat. It’s going to be around 100 in the New York metro area today!)

Second, there’s an article in today’s New York Times about Mahan, who, I’m happy to hear, is a big music buff and recently held court at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, where he spoke to a group of First Tee kids. While Mahan and I might not share the same tastes in music, it’s refreshing to know that he has serious interests away from the course as well as personality. And, as you may have seen, some fashion sense, too.

Furthermore, whoever had the bright idea of having a golf “event” at the Hall of Fame deserves kudos. If the game is going to attract, and more importantly keep, kids, the usual methods must change. Music strikes me as a good place to start.

However, that doesn’t mean trotting out Hootie and the Blowfish or Kenny G.  Can someone find a rocker younger than Alice Cooper who plays golf?

Some suggestions: Justin Bieber looks like Rickie Fowler, right? And imagine what Lady Gaga might do with a hybrid. Or how Beyonce (right) would look in a skort.

By the way, they’d also look perfect in Sundog specs.

If you’d like to give some financial aid to the ravaged nation, you can help out while also making a fashion statement. Polo Ralph Lauren has created a special Japan Hope polo shirt, shown here on two of the company’s clothes horses, Tom Watson and Luke Donald.

The shirt is available in black, navy, or white, in men’s or women’s, for $98 at select Ralph Lauren stores and from the brand’s website. All of the proceeds from the shirts’ sale will be donated to humanitarian efforts to help Japan through the Central Community Chest of Japan, part of the United Way’s worldwide network.